Erin's Enhanced Life

1 Month Post-Op

2011-01-04T10:04:00.000-08:00

So Leandro dashed off in a hurry this morning so I will have to get him to take the pictures when he gets home and I will post them later on tonight. I weighed myself this morning and I weighed in at 199 lbs. So, if my memory serves correctly that means I didn't loose a single pound this week :(

That's OK. Dr. LeBlanc said there are going to be some weeks where I don't loose anything.

I wanted to go to the gym tonight and do some cardio, but I slipped on one of the cats toy balls in my kitchen and really hurt my knee! It's all jacked up! I am about to go wrap it now and put some muscle rub on it.

Oh well perhaps next week I will shed some more pounds!!!! :)

-Erin :)

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T13:26:00.001-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011!!!!!!!!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful day......(don't forget to eat your black eyed peas and cabbage!!)

Wishing that the new year brings many new wonderful experiences to your life.......

HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!!!!!

love,

Erin :)

3 weeks post-op

2010-12-29T18:32:00.000-08:00

So I as supposed to post this blog yesterday, but I was so busy all day I just didn't have time. I weighed in at 199, so that means I have lost a total of 19 lbs since my surgery! YAY!!!!!! I am so excited!

Although, I think that the next 20 lbs will be a lot more noticeable :)

1st Follow-Up appointment

2010-12-22T21:35:00.000-08:00

So today was my first follow-up appointment with Dr. LeBlanc since my surgery. It turns out that my scale at home is two pounds off and I actually lost 16 lbs since my surgery! WOW!! That is so crazy.

He checked all my incisions and said that they looked excellent! He also said I could go ahead and start Phase 3 of my diet, so tonight I had part of a scrambled egg and about three bites of grits.... I think I ate too much because my stomach felt like it was going to burst afterwards, but eggs and grits was such a nice change. I can also start having baby food now, which is nice. I had some baby food bananas and they were quite good.

Anyway, that about sums it up.... my next appointment is in three weeks

2nd week post-op

2010-12-21T09:02:00.001-08:00

These pictures gross me out so bad....Leandro was in a hurry because he had to go to work so he took three pics.....and that was it....ugh....these are so disgusting!!!!!!!

So far my weight is at 205. This means I have lost 13 lbs since my surgery on 12/7. I am glad, but I can't wait to start working out...

On Christmas Eve I start Phase 3 of my diet.....which I am pretty excited about! I can have scrambled eggs, oatmeal, and grits!!! I can't wait. I am so sick of eating or "drinking" broth and water LOL. You know....it's just not all that satisfying. It keeps me alive.....but thats about it. I have my first follow-up appointment with Dr. LeBlanc tomorrow at two. I am anxious to see what he has to say about my progress. I do have a couple of questions for him too! I will post another update tomorrow evening to let you know how my appointment went.

-Erin

Vitamin Reg-amine.....

2010-12-15T22:01:00.000-08:00

So this is what my doctor has me taking everyday:

55-74 grams of protein

2000 mg of calcium

1 B-12 sublingual

1 iron tablet

2 multi-vitamins

Woo....... all of those vitamins are a meal in themselves. In the picture above I took a picture of my last sample pack of Unjury protein (which I really like) I like the one's that are tasteless so I can add them to anything. I just ordered a new canister of it and it should be here tomorrow. I have enough protein powder to last me until then. I tried the Walmart brand chocolate whey powder and YUCK!!!! YUCK!!!! YUCK!!!!!! lol

I am excited to start working out again! I still can't work out for another two weeks, but I can't wait! I just don't want to go to the Anytime in Watson..... that one smells like dirty feet and it's the size of a walk-in closet. I will probably go to the on on Juban most often.

1 week post-op

2010-12-14T06:05:00.000-08:00

So, it has been one whole week since my surgery. They weighed me right before surgery and I weighed in at 218. I weighed myself this morning and now I weigh 210. I have lost 8 lbs in 7 days!!

AHHHHH! That's so insane. I am sort of glad it's super fast at first, but will also be glad when it slows down to a much more healthier pace......like 2 to 3 lbs. a week.

These are the body shot pictures I took of myself this morning....they are not very good but Leandro couldn't do it because he had to leave for work. Next weeks will be much better I hope!

I can't stand looking at those pics I took......they disgust me! I know it's important to record the progress though.

Other than that I am feeling great. I won't be able to drive again until this Friday and I won't be able to start working out until another two weeks. I have a follow-up appointment with Dr. LeBlanc for 12/22 so he can check my progress and my incisions.

My incisions look great except one have two blisters near it and it looks gross but doesn't hurt. The only one that hurts is the one where they actually had to go through the muscle, not just the skin. That one hurts!

Other than that...... I am extremely happy! Dr. LeBlanc did a wonderful job and for taht I am so thankful! I ended up having to stay in the hospital for two and a half days instead of just overnight because I was so sick and couldn't keep anything down. He said that hardly ever happens but sometimes on occasion.

I started refusing all pain medicine on Wed. around 8:30 AM and haven't had anything since. I am not in any pain at all...... I am a little uncomfortable but not in any pain...

Well, I guess that about does it as far as the first week goes. I will do a post-op update every week for a month, then I will post updates on a month to month basis unless something unexpected comes up. :)

Post-Op Friday

2010-12-10T14:52:00.000-08:00

Soo.....no! I am definitely not looking sexy after my surgery LOL! My right hand is still very swollen from the IV and I am still pretty uncomfortable. Although, my incisions look to be healing really well, (there were six total) I am still feeling pretty yuck. From what I can understand the worse is continuing to be behind me and now I am slowly moving on to a better future.

According to my doctors I will not feel like myself until about two weeks post-op, and right now I am only four days post-op.

However, I must say everyday seems to be better than the last.

So this is my diet for the next eight weeks..........

Phase 1: 1-2 days post-op only clear liquids

Phase 2: last for 2 weeks and includes everything from phase one including full liquids like yogurt, and sugar free pudding etc.

Phase 3: last for 2 weeks, includes everything from Phase 1 and 2 and soft foods like baby food etc.

Phase 4: last for two weeks, includes all previous phases and includes pure-aide foods

Phase 5: all previous phases and start back on regular foods avoiding heavy starches like bread, and rice, and pasta until 6 months post-op

As you can see my journey has really just began...... its still a long road to recovery.

The Official Date!!!!!!!

2010-11-14T10:05:00.000-08:00

DECEMBER 7th!!!!! FINALLY!!!!

I have been waiting since AUGUST and now it's finally here!!! A real date! I am so excited!!! So wish me luck!!!!.......

I will post more details as I get them :)

Happy Sunday!

love,

Erin

Two weeks

2010-11-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

So, it's just about here....... the day of my surgery. I spoke to my Doctor's office yesterday and they gave me a tentative date of December 1st, which is on a Wed. I should find out the official date on Monday. I am excited. I am feel just ready to get it over with already!

If they keep the date for December 1st then I will be able to go to MoMo's house for Thanksgiving and have some turkey, and go shopping on black Friday. If they move it up then it looks like I will be spending Thanksgiving in the hospital.

Since Christmas is only about four weeks after my surgery I still won't be able to indulge in and Christmas favorites like eggnog, pie, and etc. I don't care though..... it's something that I have to do so....you know....I'll just have to deal with it :)

I'm doing it for me.........Cha Cha Changes!! VSG!

2010-08-07T13:23:00.000-07:00

Well.....I started this blog about my new low-carb lifestyle..... and before that it was "eating clean." I finally got fed up with failed diets and the stress and heart ache of being overweight, PCOS symptoms, infertility, and overall discomfort.

So what did I do.......... I sought a medical professional. I went to my seminar with Dr. Bellanger yesterday and there is where I learned about vertical sleeve gastrectomy or GSV, and how it opens a window of hope for women like me who have PCOS. The symptoms of PCOS after surgery eventually disappear...... this was all I needed to hear!!! My heart sank into my chest as I started to cry in the doctor's office. For so long I didn't feel like a real woman because of PCOS. It makes me feel ugly and unwanted, even though I know my husband loves me and wants me. It's not about him....... I feel like the PCOS prevents me from being the woman that I know I am.

All the symptoms of PCOS:

Obesity

Infertility

Irregular periods or heavy periods

Unwanted facial hair

This surgery fixes ALL OF IT except for the facial hair thing but I got rid of that issue a while ago...with my fancy smancy waxing kit LOL

I am so excited!!! My life will never be the same! I will never be fat again, or have to worry about missed periods and take Metformin every single day of my life just to keep the symptoms at bay!!!! This surgery will be the greatest gift I ever give myself!!! I am crying write now writing this! A chance to be normal....... :)

The surgery takes approx. 50 minutes and is done by Laparoscopy. Here is a short video showing how the procedure is done:

Yes, they will be removing a portion of my stomach........ it seems intense but it's OK. I was a little freaked out at first but I am OK now. This was definitely a decision that I made on my own for myself. I am choosing this, and I am happy for me :)

So please be my friend..... and give me your support through this :)

Love you!!

Getting Creative with Coneys!

2010-06-09T11:42:00.000-07:00

This is...or was an Sonic extra large chili cheese coney, but a low carb friendly version. I was pretty hungry for lunch and was on a time schedule so I pulled into Sonic and ordered two extra large chili cheese coneys with cheese and onions only. I ate the hot dog part with the melted cheese and onions and left the bread. It was very filling and low carb friendly!!! Sometimes you just have to be creative! :) Just an idea..... :)

Have an awesome day!!!

Love,
Erin :)

Induction....

2010-06-01T08:16:00.000-07:00

OK so I have officially been on my low carb diet for a month yesterday. I didn't really try as hard as I should have and therefore, don't have the results I should. So, I am back at square one. I am starting the induction phase today, since I cheated yesterday and I need to flush my system. I am going to be on it for 14 days, and no "treating myself." I am even going to try to lay off the caffeine and no diet drinks during this period!!

I am going to try and follow the induction phase a lot more closely to see if I see a difference in the amount of weight I loose a week.

I will post updates on this.

LOW Carb-O-Licious!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-05-28T07:59:00.000-07:00

LOW-CARB-O-LICIOUS!!!!! LOL

So thanks to Low Carb Lindsey (She is super super great by the way, please check her out at www.lowcarblindsey.com)....... I was introduced to this yum yum 1 carb per slice healthy bread!!!!!! WOO HOO! So I can now have sandwiches........ on a low carb diet....... say what!!!!!!! LOL!!!!!!
Any who...... that picture posted above is my yum yum 1 carb per slice bread from Julian Bakery in La Jolla, CA (or as I call it... Yo Holla!! Cali.) LOL
It came in yesterday. I must say it's not very flavorful, but it's bread..... and bread opens all doors.... that means sandwiches, and french toast .... you name it!!!!! and it's only ONE NET CARB PER SLICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
If your interested I will post a video from Julian Bakery on this post as well. Also, as a tip I recommend putting this baby in the freezer so you don't waste a slice. I live in Louisiana so I don't have a Julian Bakery near by that I can just run by a pick up a loaf so I had to order mine from their website:

http://julianbakery.com/

So, it can be costly to just let this go to waste. One loaf of this yummy bread cost me about $13.00 with shipping included in the price, which isn't terribly bad, but still high enough to not want to waste a single crumb.

Sick......blah!!!

2010-05-27T09:36:00.001-07:00

I must say, I feel just like this little guy! I got really sick on Tuesday night out of the blue, and I am still trying to recover from it. I should have stayed home today, but with everything going on at work I decided I should come in since I haven't thrown up in over 24 hours.

The doctor said it is a stomach virus......ugh I wish I was at home. Work seems lonely to me now too. Brittany is going through a lot with Jamie's pawpaw about to pass, so she really isn't talking to anyone, and for whatever reason Steven doesn't really talk to me too much anymore either......and CJ is on vacation. It's weird because I actually miss him being here. At least it was someone to talk to on occasion..... Oh well I guess all I can do is do my work and hope for a good weekend............

I Cheated! I'm Guilty! I admit it! :(

2010-05-24T05:50:00.000-07:00

OK so I cheated this morning.... and boy do I feel like poopies! I know that this sometimes happens. I am just disappointed in myself. I need to remember how I feel right now! How I pretty much took all of my much needed energy and crumpled it in a ball and threw it away in the trash.

This cheating incident was due to poor planning!!!!!! Last night I was sitting at my dining room table on my laptop and and all the sudden it occurred to me "WORK!!" I had forgotten to go to work and move tickets. So, at this point I had two choices.

Number 1: I could leave instantly and go and that would put me getting back home at 11 or 11:30 PM

Number 2: Go to bed right then an get up early and go to work for 4 AM.

So which is it.......? I choose number two.

When I got up this morning I was tired even though I had a full nights rest. I guess it was mainly because I knew what time it really was regardless how much sleep my body got.

Right before Leandro and I left the house I thought for a minute about what I was going to bring for lunch or breakfast and I was too tired to care, so i just left.

Well, around 6 AM I was starving since I didn't eat dinner last night but I had a late lunch yesterday. I didn't have a vehicle to leave and get anything.....and I felt so hungry!!!! There was nothing at the office except the cupcakes i brought for Charlie on Friday (not sure why he never came to get them.....but that makes me sad.) :(

So, needless to say I benged and ate FOUR of them!!! I instantly had a tummy ache! I am so disappointed.

Starting tomorrow I am going to start induction again for two weeks, with twenty carbs a day or less and no caffeine, and no diet drinks or aspartame. I am not going to continue with low carb instead of no carb until my body reach Ketosis again. but I will not stay on the no carb plan for longer than three weeks.

My little box of Chocolates!

2010-05-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

Life is like a Box of Chocolates……..

Ever since Forrest Gump, this phrase has been popular, but just so you know this post has nothing to do with Forrest Gump. Sorry to disappoint you. LOL

However, it does have to do with chocolates….yummy! I am now in my second week of my low carb lifestyle change and look what I found to treat myself. It’s a box of chocolates.

Whitman’s Sugar Free Sampler which includes three sugar free candies. It’s perfect for your desk. It’s a way to spoil yourself, yet modestly! They are pretty darn good. I bought all that Rite Aid had and kept them in my desk. Every few days when I am craving something a little sweet, I will treat myself to one of these babies.

Anytime....? Anywhere? Anyone there? Hello? ECHO!

2010-05-18T08:38:00.000-07:00

-------VS.----------

So last night Leandro and I went to work out at Anytime. We have a membership there. The Anytime Fitness that we signed up at was in Walker, LA. I don't know if it's for the fact that it is my home Anytime or maybe because I worked out at that one the most, but that location is my favorite one. The Anytime in Livingston is the nicest one I have been too as far as equipment wise and cleanliness, but for some reason I love the Walker Anytime the best!

So, last night we visited the Walker Anytime. It was so empty, but I noticed Snap was full. I guess everyone is switching to Snap now. I don't care, I love Anytime. I don't think I will be switching. I miss it when Steven Hull used to work out with us. I thought about him last night. We used to have so much fun working out. I was getting pretty good with the weights too! I remember I got to the point where I could bench 100 lbs.

It brought back so many good memories being at that gym, memories of our lives before Stephen passed. I think I will be going to that one more often!! It felt so good to work out again!!!!!

My Pharmacophobia

2010-05-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

Pharmacophobia: An exaggerated or irrational fear of drugs.

Yep.......that's me. I HATE taking medicine. What is it about it I hate you ask??? Everything! I hate everything from the smell, taste, the idea of HAVING TO TAKE IT!!! I know that it's all mental and stupid but I just HATE IT!

I am FORCING myself to get over this irrational fear, but it's kind of hard. I am writing everything down (like you would do for a child.) I am writing down what I take and when. While everyday I keep telling myself over and over ::YOU NEED THIS.....YOU NEED THIS...YOU HAVE TO TAKE HAVE THIS........YOU HAVE TO TAKE THIS::

I realize that makes me sound crazy but it seems to be working.........

****I posted this blog and didn't even mention my medication. I am having to take Metformin (glucophage) for my PCOS. I have to take two 500 MG tablets everyday for like........ the rest of my life. :( I hate the idea of HAVING to take something everyday... forever. It just sucks is all!
Also, in case you aren't aware of what PCOS is......read the information below.
PCOS
Poly cystic ovary disease is a condition in which there are many small cysts in the ovaries, which can affect a woman's ability to get pregnant.
To read more about PCOS and it symptoms and effects please click the following link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycystic_ovary_syndrome
I do not suffer from all of the symptoms but a few.

She Let Herself Go......

2010-05-07T05:47:00.000-07:00

She let herself go.....that's me! I let myself go....in the bad way...........but I want to turn it into a good way.....make senses?!?!? yes? No? LOL

When Stephen passed away I was already overweight. His passing made things worse for me. I didn't even realize it . It's like one day I woke up from this coma of sadness and I realized I was a 100 lbs over weight :( Not only did I realize how overweight I am, I realized that I quit caring about my hair, makeup, my body......myself. I used to enjoy taking care of myself, and my body and always trying to improve myself inside and out....... then one day all of that just went away. I am ready to start being the best me that I can be!

The last year has been so hard, I am ready to start living again! When I say I let myself go......I did. However, I am ready to improve my mind and my body and let myself go on a cruise...or to CA...I am going to put myself on a diet and I am sticking to it. NO CHEATING!!!!! I know this will not only make me healthier but it will help boost my confidence in becoming the new me....or the old me....however you want to look at it.

Sugar Scrub........

2010-03-25T05:36:00.000-07:00

Last night Leandro left as soon as we got home to go pick up Luis from work. Then he was off to Kyle's house. I was all alone from five PM until ten PM. So, what did I do last night? I had a total ME NIGHT!

I started the evening off with a few peanuts for a snack and a citrus infused ginseng ice tea, and watched Sheer Genius. After the show was over I worked on the canvas for Kaden's room. I haven't actually started painting my "Mike the Tiger" just yet, I just Gessoed it.

While the Gesso was drying. I got out my new professional Clean and Easy waxing kit and touched up my eyebrows. Then I took a hot bath and shaved and showered. When I got out of the tub I made my homemade "sugar scrub" which was AH-MAZING! I can't believe I have never made this before now! My face and skin feels so amazing.... even this morning I must say my skin looks and feels great! I will forever be making this! The best part about it is that is cost me practically nothing to make and it's made from completely natural ingredients. There are no chemicals involved. I felt like I visited a spa last night and I didn't even leave home. At least...... I am imagine that is what it would feel like at a spa, I have never been to one before. I have been to Aveada for my hair, but have never had a facial or anything like that.

Last night..... doing these things for myself released a large amount of stress on my weighing mind. I feel so amazingly refreshed today! I think next week I am going to work on my hands, feet, and hair. It's time for some me time damnit! lol

Carrots, Ranch and Katy.......

2010-02-25T09:33:00.000-08:00

So, today I forgot my lunch like most days....... But, today is different. I decided to make a conscious decision to do something good for lunch in place of my usual "who cares I'll just eat (insert random junk or garbage here.)"

My sister is coming up here in a few to pick up Tim's check, but I told here that I am holding it hostage until she brings me a healthy lunch lol. I asked her to pick me up some baby carrots and some ranch, and she said she would.

I have been craving this ever since I had some the other night at April's house. She had the carrot ruffles, that looked liked chips. It was neat. I think I might get some and maybe do some experimenting with them. lol

I bet I could brush them with some olive oil, season them and bake them makeing 'em crunchy he he he he. So, for lunch I get a healthy snack, and get to see my baby sister! Arn't I just a lucky gal =)

So Here is the Embarrassing Part......

2010-02-04T18:19:00.000-08:00

This is me now...... 26 years old, 207 pounds...this is not the embarrassing part....the pictures that are below are what is really embarrassing part. Right now I wear a size 16 pants (that are tight)

Me again from the front! Ugh!!
This is me on my honeymoon in June of 2007, I weigh 125 pounds and wear a size 6
Me again on my honeymoon in June 2007...size 6 pants.
This is me on April 26th 2007 on Leandro and I's 7th Anniversary together
and this is me on Thanksgiving Day in 2006 before I lost weight for the wedding. In this picture you can tell I was heavier because of my face. I weighed around 150 and wore size 10-12

OK...... that was embarassing but it feels really good to lay it all out and analyze it all.

So let's do the math now

2006---------------------> 150 lbs

2007---------------------> 125 lbs

2010---------------------> 207 lbs

___________________________________

I have gained a total of 82 POUNDS IN ABOUT 3 YEARS TIME!!!!!!!!!!!

that's 27.33 pounds a years!!!!

As you probably figured out I am NOT HAPPY! This is the first time that I actually sat down and did the math and was completely honest with myself and put everything out on the table. How am I to fix a problem when I don't completely understand it? Well, here it is......now I see it and so do you......and now.......I understand it......time to develop a solution!!!!

I need HELP!!!

2010-02-02T20:15:00.000-08:00

Do you ever feel like this? I do! In fact, do right now! At this moment I am age 26 years old and I weigh 218 pounds, and I am only 4'10.5. I am miserable. This is the heaviest I have been ever in my life and I am absolutely miserable. I could go on and on about all the things that contributed to my hefty weight gain, but I rather just be passed all that. No....matter what the reasons the result is all the same.

I am starting this blog now because I have made the decision to look, dress, and feel better. I realize that all the desperate things I have tried in the past have not worked or have only worked for me temporarily. Therefore, I realize the only way to be happy, healthy, and feel great about myself is to make this a part of my life which is not easy to do. I don't really like exercising all that much, or eating tasteless foods......I don't think most heavy people do.

But today is different! I had an epiphany! Every time I think about weight loss this is what I think: to loose X amount of pounds, or should I do "South Beach?" "Atkins" "Count Calories?" "Weight Watchers" "surgery?"

Every single pill, surgery, gym, cd, dvd,and friend pops in my head making me go back and forth trying to figure out the perfect thing for me. I just have one major problem....... my problem is not a quick fix. So, I'm no math professor but how do you get a quick fix answer for something that is a life long problem. I wouldn't think you couldn't solve this that easy and I'm right.....you can't.

But today! I realized my whole life I have been fighting my weight.....everyone says that... that is the key word "fighting!" That's what I have been doing wrong.......fighting it. What I should have been doing is embracing it, acknowledging it, and work on fixing it. The solution for my weight will depend on the day, mood, feeling, weather etc. Why should you be on one diet or exercise problem everyday? Your not the same person from day to day and your body needs more than just one formula...... so this is my experiment and attempt to embrace my weight now and love myself even at 218, but to create a healthy life style for myself without feeling like I'm "fighting." I am tired of fighting.....time to enjoy......=)

I will post pictures tomorrow of myself at the different stages in my life and up until now....